Understanding Conflict: Causes, Effects, and Resolution in Social Groups Social Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8

Subject: Social Studies
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 11-12 years
Topic: Conflict Within Social Groups
Sub-topic: Causes, Effects, and Steps in Conflict Resolution
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define conflict in social groups.
2. Identify the causes of conflict within social groups.
3. State the effects of conflict on individuals and groups.
4. Explain steps to resolve conflict in social groups.

Keywords:

• Conflict
• Causes
• Effects
• Resolution
• Mediation

Set Induction:

The teacher begins by asking students if they have ever had disagreements with friends or family. The teacher then explains that such disagreements are called conflicts and occur in all types of groups.

Entry Behaviour:

Students have knowledge of relationships within primary and secondary social groups from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Conflict resolution posters
• Case studies of conflicts in groups

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students previously learned about the roles and responsibilities in social groups. Now they will learn about what happens when these roles are not followed, leading to conflict.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Problem-solving
• Collaboration
• Communication

Learning Materials:

• Social Studies textbook
• Posters on conflict resolution steps

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Social Studies Textbook for JSS 1

Instructional Materials:

• Charts showing causes and effects of conflict
• Case studies showing conflict and resolution examples

Content:

1. Meaning of Conflict in Social Groups:

Conflict is a disagreement or misunderstanding between individuals or groups due to differences in opinions, interests, or values. Conflicts can occur in families, schools, workplaces, and other social groups.

2. Causes of Conflict in Social Groups:

• Miscommunication: When members misunderstand each other.
• Differences in Opinions: When people have opposing views on a subject.
• Competition for Resources: Conflicts may arise when group members compete for resources like money, space, or time.
• Jealousy: Members may feel jealous of each other, causing tension.
• Unfair Treatment: When some members feel they are being treated unfairly.

3. Effects of Conflict in Social Groups:

• Breakdown of Relationships: Conflict can lead to the breakdown of friendships or relationships within a group.
• Disruption of Activities: Conflicts can stop group activities from continuing smoothly.
• Emotional Stress: Conflict causes stress, sadness, or anger for those involved.
• Loss of Trust: Group members may lose trust in one another.
• Poor Group Performance: When there is conflict, the group may not function well or achieve its goals.

4. Steps in Conflict Resolution:

• Identify the Problem: Understand what is causing the conflict.
• Listen to Both Sides: Allow everyone involved in the conflict to share their views.
• Encourage Compromise: Help the group members to find a middle ground.
• Mediation: A neutral person helps both sides to come to an agreement.
• Reconciliation: Both parties agree to forgive each other and move forward.
• Follow Up: Check that the solution is working and the conflict has not re-emerged.

Evaluation (Fill-in-the-Blank Questions):

1. Conflict is a disagreement between _______.
   a) plants
   b) friends
   c) animals
   d) group members
2. One cause of conflict is _______ treatment.
   a) equal
   b) unfair
   c) correct
   d) kind
3. A common effect of conflict is the breakdown of _______.
   a) relationships
   b) money
   c) activities
   d) jobs
4. Competition for _______ can lead to conflict.
   a) food
   b) work
   c) resources
   d) games
5. One way to resolve conflict is through _______.
   a) fighting
   b) mediation
   c) ignoring
   d) complaining
6. Conflict can disrupt _______ in a group.
   a) activities
   b) happiness
   c) friendship
   d) leadership
7. When conflict arises due to different opinions, it is called a _______ conflict.
   a) communication
   b) resource
   c) opinion-based
   d) emotional
8. One effect of conflict is emotional _______.
   a) joy
   b) calmness
   c) stress
   d) laughter
9. A neutral person who helps solve conflicts is called a _______.
   a) leader
   b) mediator
   c) teacher
   d) manager
10. To resolve conflicts, both parties should try to _______.
    a) ignore
    b) compromise
    c) argue
    d) fight

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs):

1. What is a conflict in a social group?
   A conflict is a disagreement between members of a group.
2. What can cause conflict in a group?
   Miscommunication, differences in opinions, jealousy, competition for resources, and unfair treatment.
3. How can conflict affect a group?
   It can break down relationships, disrupt activities, and cause emotional stress.
4. How can members resolve conflicts?
   By identifying the problem, listening to both sides, and encouraging compromise.
5. What is the role of a mediator in conflict resolution?
   A mediator is a neutral person who helps both sides come to an agreement.
6. What happens if conflict is not resolved?
   The group may stop functioning well, and relationships may be permanently damaged.
7. Why is listening important in conflict resolution?
   It helps to understand both sides of the issue.
8. What is reconciliation in conflict resolution?
   It is when both parties forgive each other and agree to move forward.
9. What is the first step in resolving a conflict?
   Identify the problem causing the conflict.
10. Can conflict ever be helpful?
    Yes, when resolved well, it can lead to better understanding and improvement in group relationships.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, “Secondary Social Groups: Types, Structure, Roles, and Responsibilities of Members.”
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by defining conflict and explaining its causes, effects, and resolution steps.
Step 3: The teacher asks students to share examples of conflicts they have witnessed and how they were resolved.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Defines conflict and explains its causes.
• Discusses the effects of conflict on groups.
• Teaches steps to resolve conflicts through diagrams and case studies.
• Encourages students to share real-life examples of conflict.

Learners’ Activities:

• Participate in discussions about conflict causes and effects.
• Identify ways to resolve conflicts in their groups.
• Share examples of conflicts they have experienced or witnessed.

Assessment:

1. Define conflict.
2. Mention two causes of conflict in social groups.
3. State two effects of conflict on individuals or groups.
4. Explain one step in resolving a conflict.
5. What is the role of mediation in conflict resolution?

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is a conflict?
2. Name two causes of conflict in social groups.
3. What are the effects of conflict on group activities?
4. How can emotional stress result from conflict?
5. Mention two steps to resolve conflict in social groups.
6. What role does a mediator play in conflict resolution?
7. Why is it important to listen to both sides during a conflict?
8. Give one example of how a conflict can be resolved in a group.
9. Why is reconciliation important in conflict resolution?
10. What can happen if conflict remains unresolved?

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark students’ work and reinforces the importance of resolving conflicts to maintain peace in social groups.